LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Luke Garner is on the verge of joining an exclusive NRL group, with a win in Sunday's grand final potentially taking him from the wooden spoon to a premiership ring in just 12 months.
This feat has only been achieved twice before in the NRL era, by Brenko Lee in 2020 and Harvey Howard 20 years earlier.
Garner's journey from a struggling team to a potential champion is remarkable.
Garner's transformation is evident in the change in his surroundings.
From facing a barrage of journalists at the Panthers Academy, to being part of a winning team preparing for the grand final, he is experiencing a vastly different build-up this time around.
It is a testament to his hard work and determination to turn his fortunes around.
Reflecting on his time with the Wests Tigers, Garner recalls the disappointment of conceding 128 points in his final two games.
It is clear that he has come a long way from those dark days, and his journey serves as inspiration for others facing adversity.
Garner's personal growth is also evident in his personal life.
Last year, he returned from a holiday just in time to witness the end of the season, as his team failed to make the finals.
This year, however, he is preparing to play in the grand final, a testament to his progress as a player.
For Garner, winning has become the norm at the Panthers, but it is still a foreign concept to him personally.
He had never played a finals game in the NRL until three weeks ago, when he was unexpectedly selected to play at centre against the Warriors.
This unexpected opportunity has propelled him into the spotlight and given him the chance to achieve something extraordinary.
As Garner prepares to come off the bench in the grand final, he is aware of the significance of the moment.
He understands that he is on the cusp of joining an exclusive group of players who have gone from the bottom-placed team to premiers in just one season.
With 80 minutes standing between him and this achievement, Garner is determined to make the most of this opportunity and etch his name into NRL history.